Love and Friendship – 7.8

May there always be an England, particularly an England of manor houses, landed gentry, beautiful clothes and complete paragraphs – even better when described by Jane Austen. Kate Beckinsale is marvelous as the conniving Lady Susan of the book’s title and everyone else revolves around her, with the men rather more buffoonish and the women more engaged in society as a sport. Writer-director-producer Whit Stillman has the right amount of fun presenting his tableaux, with beautiful music and gorgeous settings. We can all concur as we laugh at the gentleman’s comment, “I think everyone should live on their own land.”